Abstract and Introduction

Abstract

Purpose of review: In 1980, botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) was introduced for the treatment of strabismus and benign essential blepharospasm. Since then, a number of additional indications have been introduced, which continue to expand, providing less invasive solutions in managing different ophthalmic conditions.

Recent findings: Successful trials of BTX-A injection into the lacrimal gland have been reported for the treatment of epiphora caused by primary lacrimal gland hyperlacrimation, functional tearing, gustatory tearing, and lacrimal outflow obstruction. This is achieved through blockage of the cholinergic receptors by BTX-A at the glandular level. Interestingly, BTX-A has also been found to be useful in treating patients with dry eyes by compromising the tear drainage from the eye through injection of BTX-A in the medial part of the lower eyelid. BTX-A may help provide effective relief for patients who have two different ophthalmic comorbidities such as benign essential blepharospasm and dry eye.

Summary: Better understanding of the mechanism of BTX-A action in the treatment of the growing applications in ophthalmology helps provide relatively noninvasive solutions for patients. Full awareness of possible side effects of BTX-A and the optimal way to manage them is vital for the success of this treatment option.

Introduction

Clostridium botulinum was identified as the organism causing the nerve conduction disease botulism in 1885 and its different strains produce eight different types of toxin with botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) being the most common type used clinically.[1] BTX-A received Food & Drug Administration approval for blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm in 1989 and for glabellar rhytids in 2002.[2] Usage of BTX-A has increased in the last 3 decades dramatically for both 'on-label' and 'off-label' ophthalmic and nonophthalmic indications. BTX-A has been found to be effective in the treatment of autonomic nerve disorders, such as palmar hyperhidrosis, axillary hyperhidrosis, and Frey's syndrome.[3,4] On the basis of these data, injection of the lacrimal gland with BTX-A for hyperlacrimation was explored.[5]

References

Authors and Disclosures

Authors and Disclosures

Adel H. Alsuhaibania and Shaikha Al Eidb

aDepartment of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Saud University and bDepartment of Ophthalmology, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia